Posted 5 years ago
Pencil-nec…
(104 items)
I've been looking around the interweb for a while now trying to find a match for this one-piece helmet without success. Someone mentioned that they had seen a similar example in a book that was ID'd as WW II Italian, but I cant match it with anything. The inner suspension appears correct for the era, but nothing has the rear 'spoiler' flap built into it that this one displays. Helmet material seems to be pressed fiber with the inner liner leather w/ canvas straps. There are two unused snaps flanking that flap that may have attached another piece (in case of rain?). I can find no markings anywhere on the piece.
All help appreciated!
The webbing interior looks U.S. but the chin strap looks too good to be American.
Did you see the ?grommets? around the holes on the chin strap too, Bussie? That bespeaks some quality, I think. The leather is decent quality, too - still supple.
That ledge off the back is really puzzling. I'm no expert, but getting whacked on the head would appear to be a guarantee of cervical spine dislocation. But what else could this be? Too flimsy to work in a tank and with no ear protection for most applications.
I love a mystery!
What is the back flap made of ? I was assuming it was to keep the sun off the neck. I think military dispatch rider's helmet. Could put it on backwards to catch a few winks.
The flap is of the same pressed-fiber material that comprises the rest of the shell. The best example of similar I can think of is beetleware dishes, but not as dense. There is a bit of flex to the material. Scuffed areas show the fibrous nature. The flap is solidly fixed with rivets and not removable. There are three snaps - centered and on both flanks of the flap. I'm assuming they are for a detatchable leather or oilcloth rain shield or similar.
Well, I got an answer.... sort of. What we have is a 'casco da carrista, mod. 1951' It's in a book in Italian and, as best I can tell using google translate, it is a French tank radioman's helmet. The material, they say is leather. My example matches the photos well, so I'll go with that unless other info is forthcoming.
Might try to get Petey's attention...he bought a dingo,.. so he;
's probable 24 /7 on that ..in case the $hit hits the fan and he needs a back up to fetch beer ...lol he has a huge collection on here ....nice gut ta boot... ...https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/265254-ww2-daimler-dingo?in=user.
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/265254-ww2-daimler-dingo
This is a French M51 Tanksman’s helmet 1950s -60s
I found it in Elemetti helmets book